Bank of Donaldsonville (Donaldsonville, LA)

Episode Information

Episode UID
84006671367
Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Bank ID
8400667 routing
Routing Number
84-0066
Start Date
November 22, 1913
Location
Donaldsonville, Louisiana (30.101, -90.993)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
86dfa5cb051fd37c

Response Measures

None

Description

Bank suspended Nov 22, 1913 and was later placed in liquidation with officers criminally charged.

Events (2)
1. November 22, 1913 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Bank of Donaldsonville in liquidation / liquidator named in subsequent reports (suspended Nov. 22, 1913).
Source
newspapers
2. November 22, 1913 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Bank closed due to insolvency excessive loans and heavy losses (excessive loans mentioned; suspension Nov. 22, 1913)
Newspaper Excerpt
the Bank of Donaldsonville has suspended
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (19)
1. November 29, 1913 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, November 29, 1913

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Teachers' Warrants. At a special meeting of the parish school board yesterday, the following resolution was adopted: "Whereas, the warrants of Nov. 7 issued by the school board were made payable at the Bank of Donaldsonville on Jan. 15, 1914, and whereas, the Bank of Donaldsonville has suspended; therefore be it "Resolved, that all said warrants be returned on Jan. 5 to Supt. J. L. Rusca, who will issue in lieu thereof warrants on the new depository." Proposals from banks for becoming the depository of the school funds of the parish will be opened at a meeting of the school board to be held Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11 o'clock a. m.

2. December 6, 1913 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, December 6, 1913

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# A PROPER CASE FOR SUSPENSION OF PUBLIC JUDGMENT. It is a matter for deep regret that the failure of the Bank of Donaldsonville, besides entailing heavy loss to the depositors and stockholders and inflicting much injury upon the business and credit of the community at large, has furnished sufficient basis in the judgment of the state bank examiner for a criminal prosecution of the president, vice president, cashier and four members of the ruined bank's board of directors. In justice to all concerned, however, the facts should be borne in mind that a mere accusation is not to be accepted as proof of the existence or commission of a crime, and that every accused is entitled under our laws and according to the spirit of common justice and humanity, to be presumed innocent until his guilt is established by competent evidence after a fair trial of his case. The presumption of innocence in the present instance is particularly strong by reason of the high standing and irreproachable character which all of the seven defendants in these prosecutions have maintained for many years in this community. They have been prominent and useful citizens, doing much for the upbuilding and improvement of the town and parish. Most of them have been advanced to important positions in civic life and fraternal circles, and have never failed to "make good" and to discharge every duty incumbent upon them in an entirely capable and satisfactory manner. Furthermore, the bank with which they were connected has ever stood as a staunch friend to the town, and a large part of the many substantial improvements accomplished here in past years can be justly credited to the good offices of this institution in a financial way. Add to these considerations the justifiable inference that the charges against the accused officials are more technical than otherwise, and it would seem that this is pre-eminently a proper case for a suspension of public judgment until such time as a full and searching investigation has been made by means of a trial in court. The Chief earnestly hopes that the outcome of such a test will exonerate the accused of any intentional wrongdoing.

3. December 6, 1913 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, December 6, 1913

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A@TIMELY SLOGAN. ANOTHER OPTIMIST FURNISHES INSPIRATION TO THE PEOPLE OF DONALDSONVILLE. "Deposit at Home" Should be the Watchword, as Well as "Buy at Home." Not less inspiring and encouraging to this community than the fine letter from President E. P. Brady of the Alluvial Land Purchase Company printed in last week's Chief, is the following communication from George W. Reese, president of the St. Elmo and Belle Helene railroad. Everybody should read what he says: "New Orleans, La., Nov. 26, 1913. "Editor Chief, Donaldsonville, La. "Dear Sir:-Anyone who thought the suspension of the Bank of Donaldsonville would have an infavorable effect on the other two Donaldsonville institutions would have had to revise that opinion had he looked in at either the People's Bank or the Bank of Ascension Monday morning. "When I dropped in to open an account with the People's on Monday, I found really a crowd on hand-not drawing out, but making deposits, and many of those present were new accounts like myself. I am told the same agreeable condition of affairs prevailed at the Bank of Ascenson. "While, of course, the closing of the doors of the Bank of Donaldsonville is an occurrence to be regretted, there is much encouragement in the fact that the remaining institutions enjoy the confidence of the Donaldsonville public, and that no one, apparently, has been tempted to remove his deposits to any other banking center. "Certainly there is no end for a merchant or business man to gain by sending his money away from his home town; in fact it is just the other way around. All the "buy at home" arguments might be applied with equal weight to the "deposit at home" principle. Banking-by-mail is just as much of a detriment to local interests as is the mail-order business, and for almost the same identical reasons. "All credit to Donaldsonville, therefore, that in a condition like the present, its people have shown their loyalty to their home institutions in such a substantial and convincing

4. December 12, 1913 The Caldwell Watchman Columbia, LA
Article from The Caldwell Watchman, December 12, 1913

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VACHERIE BANK SUSPENDS Excessive Loans Said to Have Been Cause of Failure. Western Newspaper Union News Service. Donaldsonville.-The, Bank of Vacherie, organized in 1911, and located at Vacherie Station, in St. James frish St. Patrick Postoffice, has (Truspended business and is in the hands of the State Banking Department. Excessive loans are said to be the cause of the failure. The bank holds mortgage papers of the Weber-Steib planting interests of Vacherie to the extent of over $30,000, it is said. These same parties had loans amounting to $90,000 with the Bank of Donaldsonville, which suspended business November 22. The officers of the Bank of Vacherie are Ulysses Stelb, president; J. B. F. Baudry, vice president, and Edward W. Follet, cashier.

5. December 13, 1913 The Madison Journal Tallulah, LA
Article from The Madison Journal, December 13, 1913

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VACHERIE BANK SUSPENDS Excessive Loans Said to Have Been Cause of Failure. Western Newspaper Union News Service. Donaldsonville.-The Bank of Vacherie, organized in 1911, and located at Vacherie Station, in St. James Parish, St. Patrick Postoffice, has suspended business and is in the hands of the State Banking Department. Excessive loans are said to be the cause of the failure. The bank holds mortgage papers of the Weber-Steib planting interests of Vacherie to the extent of over $30,000, it is said. These same parties had loans amounting to $90,000 with the Bank of Donaldsonville, which suspended business November. 22. The officers of the Bank of Vacherie are Ulysses Steib, president; J. B. F. Baudry, vice president, and Edward W. Follet, cashier.

6. December 20, 1913 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, December 20, 1913

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School Board Escapes Loss, The Sims Agency Company, Ltd., local agents for the United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, of Baltimore, has received a check from the company for $999.33, being the amount the school board of Ascension parish had on deposit with the Bank of Donaldsonville at the time of that institution's suspension on Nov. 22, and which was covered by a depository bond, and the same has been duly turned over to the officials. The claim was regularly filed Nov. 28, as soon as Frank K. Sims, manager of the local agency, could get the papers signed, and the amount was in the hands of the board just 19 days after the filing of the claim and in time to allow the teachers to draw their Christmas money. This was the only one of the more than 1400 accounts carried on the books of the Bank of Donaldsonville, at the time it closed its doors, which was covered by a depository bond, and should be a good argument why public funds in particular, and private funds as well, should be bonded. The rate on such a bond is only one-half of one per cent per annum on the amount of the bond, and the investment is a good one under any circumstances.

7. March 14, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, March 14, 1914

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DISTRICT COURT. Third and Last Week of Jury TermConvicted Murderers Refused New Trials-Sentence of Death Passed Upon Paul Falcon. Sessions of district court were held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the current week, and the final sitting of the pending term will be convened this forenoon. Following is a summary of the business transacted since our last report: Criminal Matters. Perique Acosta, larceny; found guilty and sentenced to three months in jail. Tony Falsetta, assault and battery; nolle prossed. John Loumiet et als., assault and battery; nolle prossed. Gus. Holland, defacing and injuring a fence; pleaded guilty and fined $10 or 10 days in jail. Roy Spurgeon, carrying concealed weapon; tried and acquitted. F. Wusthoff, carrying concealed weapon; accused failing to. appear, bond of $100, with W. D. Park as endorser, declared forfeited to the state. George Walker, Murphy Painter, Silas Gonzales, Sidney Gonzales and Leslie Gonzales, disturbing a peaceable assemblage; charge against Murphy Painter nolle prossed; Silas Gonzales found not guilty; others convicted and sentenced as follows: George Walker, 4 days in jail; Sidney Gonzales and Leslie Gonzales, 2 days in jail each. Homer Rheams, Louis James, Libby Dixon, Sam Rheams, Albert Dixon and Doc Rheams, disturbing a peaceable assemblac pleaded guilty and sentenced as follows: Libby and Albert Dixon, $10 and one-half hour in jail, each; Louis James and Sam. Rheams, $10 and 2 days in jail, each; Homer and Doc Rheams, $10 and 10 days in jail, each; time to be doubled in default of payment of fine. Civil Matters. Lucille Brawley VS. Jeff. G. Campbell; plaintiff granted absolute divorce. Sidney Williams vs. Mandy Shorty; plaintiff granted absolute divorce. Davenport Locomotive Works vs. Lemann Co., Ltd.; continued to July 14. Barton & Barton vs. Adam Plaisance; reassigned to March 14. Bank of Donaldsonville, in liquidation, vs. McCall Bros. Planting and Manufacturing Company; reassigned to March 14. Abdalla vs. Samaha; continued indefinitely. Casey & Hedges Company vs. Geo. B. Reuss; judgment for plaintiff

8. July 25, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, July 25, 1914

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Echo of Former Bank Crash. District Attorney Philip Gilbert filed an information in the district court Tuesday morning charging W. D. Park, cashier of the defunct Bank of Donaldsonville, with creating an indebtedness knowing the bank was insolvent and in failing circumstances. The transaction on which the allegation is founded took place Nov. 21, 1913, the day the Bank of Donaldsonville closed its doors. L. B. Mattingly, local agent of the Texas and Pacific Railroad, presented to Cashier Park on that date a check for $300 drawn on the Bank of Donaldsonville, and received in exchange a draft on the Hibernia Bank & Trust Company of New Orleans, pay. ment of which was refused when the exchange was presented, the Bank of Donaldsonville having in the meantime suspended business. A civil suit was instituted against Mr. Park by the railway company to recover the amount involved, and judgment in favor of plaintiff was awarded by Judge Wortham in the local district court some weeks ago. Since the suspension of the Bank of Donaldsonville Mr. Park has been located in Fort Worth, Texas, where he is residing with his brother, Rev. Edward F. Park, a Catholic priest in charge of St. Mary's Church in that city. Bond was originally fixed at $5000 on the charge entered by the district attorney, but later this amount was reduced to $3000 by Judge Wortham, on application of counse] for the accused. Mr. Park was notified by telegraph of the proceedings against him, and he arrived here Thursday afternoon and furnished bond, Dr. W. M. McGalliard signing as surety for $1000 of the amount and Jas. Von Lotten for $2000. Mr. Park's case will not come up for tria] until the next jury term of court.

9. August 15, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, August 15, 1914

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Another Chapter in Bank of Donaldsonville Failure. Another chapter in the history of the failure of the Bank of Dona]dsonville was written yesterday morning, when an affidavit was filed against W. M. McGalliard, president; Charles Maurin, vice president; W. D. Park, cashier, and E. C. Wathen, C. Kline, Fred. Rogge, Sr., and C. R. Alleman, directors of the defunct institution, charging them with receiving a deposit of funds knowing the bank to be in failing and insolvent circumstances. The accusation is sworn to by Dr. Clarence Goette, Frank C. Ayraud and Felix Acosta, depositors in the failed bank, and the transaction on which the charge is founded was the deposit of $300 in the institution by Felix Sagona, an Italian merchant of Barton, on Nov. 18, 1913. The bank closed its doors three days later. Criminal proceedings were instituted against the above officers and directors of the bank following its suspension, as the result of alleged violations of the banking laws brought to light by State Bank Examiner Young's investigation into the affairs of the closed institution, but the charges were dropped several months later, when President McGalliard and Cashier Park pleaded guilty to neglecting to make proper entries in the books of the bank, an information to this effect being filed by the district attorney. The president was fined $2000 and the cashier $1000. The affidavit filed yesterday will have the effect of reopening the case. Judge Charles T. Wortham fixed bond at $3500 in each instance, and this amount was readily furnished by all the accused. Cashier Park is already under bond of $3000, required as security on the charge of creating an indebtedness of the bank knowing the institution to be in failing and insolvent circumstances, which accusation was preferred against him by the district attorney a few weeks ago.

10. January 9, 1915 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, January 9, 1915

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DISTRICT COURT. Civil Cases Passed Upon by Judicial Body at Two Sessions. Sessions of district court were held last Saturday and Wednesday, and the following business was transacted: E. M. Loeb, receiver, vs. Metropolitan Bank; exception of no cause of action overruled; default entered. Metropolitan Bank VS. Belle Helene Co-operative Sugar Company; exception of no cause of action overruled; default entered. Bank of Donaldsonville in liquidation vs. Mrs. Lucille Terrio; judgment for plaintiff for $1000, with 8 per cent interest from April 1, 1913. Merina Diggs vs. Joseph Daigre, Jr.; plaintiff granted absolute divorce. Harrison et als. vs. Harrison et als.; default entered. The following cases were continued to Jan. 9, to which date court adjourned: Geo. W. Blunt et als. vs. O. S. Broussard et als.; Joseph Perkins vs. Lydie Adams; Henry Kenny vs. Janvier Marchand et als.

11. January 30, 1915 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, January 30, 1915

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DISTRICT COURT. Various Cases of Interest Presented for Judicial Consideration. The mills of justice were in operation here last Saturday and Monday, when brief sessions of district court were held, with Judge Charles T. Wortham presiding. Following is a summary of the business transacted: Julius Weiss & Co. vs. Etienne Laiche; exception filed. Kenny et als. vs. Marchand et als.; continued indefinitely. Mary Hebert vs. Paul Fontana; default entered. A. W. Bel vs. Mrs. J. T. Smith; exception and answer filed. Joseph A. Dalferes Vs. Alcide Leroy; default entered. Reeves Grocery Co. VS. T. W. Johnson; exception filed. James Pinkins VS. Lydie Adams; plaintiff granted absolute divorce. B. Lemann & Bro., Inc., vs. R. L. Steward; third ropposition of Steward Scale and Supply Company filed. People's Bank in liquidation vs. R. N. and E. K. Sims, C. Kline, and R. N. and E. K. Sims and J. Rumsey Duke; defaults entered. R. E. Dill, city tax collector, vs. P. J. Brown; dismissed at plaintiff's cost. Bank of Donaldsonville in liquidation vs. Louis Dehon; judgment for plaintiff for $400; mortgage on lot 42 in square bounded by Houmas, Albert and William streets and Railroad avenue, given by defendant to Bank of Donaldsonville to secure loan of above amount, recognized as valid and binding, and property ordered sold by sheriff at public auction to satisfy judgment. E. M. Loeb, receiver of Belle Helene Co-operative Sugar Co., vs. Metropolitan Bank; previous decision overruling exception of no cause of action recalled, exceptio sustained, and suit dismissed; defendant granted suspensive or devolutive appeal to supreme court, returnable March 1, 1915, upon complying with formalities prescribed by law. the conclusion of Monday's session, court adjourned without date.

12. February 27, 1915 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, February 27, 1915

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son, in the bloody shooting affray at Brittany on Sunday, Dec. 6, which resulted in the killing of John Cannon and his 17-year-old son, Warren Cannon, and the wounding of William Cannon, aged twenty-one years, alSO a son of John Cannon. Fred. Breaux, indicted for arson, is a negro, and is charged with complicity in the burning of Sam Schonberg's baker shop in this city early in the morning of Thursday, July 23, for which crime charges in the shape of an information by the district attorney were also preferred against Schonberg, owner of the property. Criminal Matters. Fred. Breaux, arson; withdrew original plea of not guilty and substituted plea of guilty. Ephraim Edwards, having carnal knowledge of unmarried female between ages of 12 and 18 years; pleaded guilty. Robert Johnson, shooting with intent to kill and murder; arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and case assigned for March 3; bond fixed at $200. Andrew Ficklen and George Ficklen, larceny; arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and case assigned for March 5; bond fixed at $50. Joseph Bayham and Eddie Bayham, murder; arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and case assigned for Thursday, March 4. A. J. Brown, breaking and entering in the night-time with intent to steal; pleaded guilty. Cairo James, breaking and entering in the night-time with intent to steal; arraigned, pleaded not guilty and case assigned for March 2. Alex. Booker, carrying concealed weapon; arraigned, pleaded guilty, and fined $100 or 90 days in jail. Western Union Telegraph Company vs. J. A. Dalferes et als.; case as to Alex. Bloomenstiel dismissed at p'aintiff's cost, on motion of counsel for plaintiff. Charles J. Rockey, abduction; ind'ctment nolle prossed by district attorney and information filed charging same offense; bond fixed at $300. Civil Matters. Mary Hebert vs. Paul Fontano; dismissed at plaintiff's cost. Clemence Simoneaux vs. Oscar Comeaux; motion to dissolve injunction and exception of vagueness filed by defendant; fixed for Monday, Mar. 1. Davenport Locomotive Works vs. Lemann Co.; jury trial waived by defendant; case fixed for Thursday, March 18. Peoples Bank in liquidation vs. R. N. and E. K. Sims; judgment for plaintiff on confirmation of default for $1396.75, with 8 per cent interest from Aug. 17, 1914. Peoples Bank in liquidation VS. Christian Kline; judgment for plaintiff on confirmation of default for $1196.56, with 8 per cent interest on $1000 from May 1, 1912, and on $196.56 from March 27, 1914. Peoples Bank in liquidation vs. R. N. and E. K. Sims and J. Rumsey Duke: judgment for plaintiff on confirmation of default for $1000, with & per cent interest from Dec. 1, 1914. Picard & Geismar, Ltd., vs. New Orleans, Texas and Mexico Railroad; exception fixed for Monday, March 22. Julius Weiss & Co. VS Etienne Laiche; exception submitted and overruled. A. S. Burney vs. P. Constantino; judgment for plaintiff on confirmat.on of default for sum of $121.50, with legal interest from judicial demand until paid. Morris Casso vs. Percy Barton; on motion of counsel for plaintiff, bond for trial by jury ordered in sum of $50. Bank of Donaldsonville in liquidation VS. A. D. Vega, Jr., and David Israel, Jr.; dismissed at plaintiff's cost, on motion of counsel for plaintiff. Felix Acosta VS. Charles Lupo & Bro.; dismissed at plaintiff's cost, on motion of counsel for plaintiff. Oliver Chilled Plow Works vs. O. A. Folse; default entered. B. Lemann & Bro., Inc., vs. Cle-

13. July 3, 1915 The Madison Journal Tallulah, LA
Article from The Madison Journal, July 3, 1915

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The Pennsylvania-Louisiana Oil Company of Lake Charles has instituted suit against the Gulf Refining Company, the Bright Company and Harry Avery and J. G. Sutton for cancellation of oil leases in the Edgerly field aggregating 360 acres. Thirteen railroads operating in Louisiana have applied for a raise in rates on gravel, sand, crushed stone and other road materials, representing that the rates in operation at present, prescribed by Railroad Commission orders in 1910, are too low. John S. Dennee, field agent for the Department of Agriculture, with headquarters in New Orleans was in Bunkie getting information in regard to acreage and condition of the cotton crop for the report that will be made on July 1. Nearly a four million increase in the assessment of the railroads of the state is shown by the State Board of Appraisers in a statement made public by A. F. Cazedesses, secultary of the $2.952 board. The exact amount is PU,JUS, 011. A delegation of more than 100 Jefferson Davis parish taxpayers visited C this parish, coming over from Jennings, Welsh and Lake Arthur by automobile to view the highway system. The next Convention of Ginners will assemble in Shreveport, La., July 14, and at which time a large display of machinery, etc., will be displayed by various factories, etc. The Probe Commission has taken no action respecting either "the Grace matter" or the alleged irregularities in the office of E. O. Bruner. Commis sioner of Agriculture. t The Ziegler Dredge Company have begun dredging for the Fifth Ward n drainage district, about a mile south e of Esterwood, and are running day r and night shifts. It was stated that the state militia authorities had bought from the Mar d rero Realty Company of New Orleans 7. a tract of land in the Metairie Ridge d section of Jefferson parish to be used as a state rifle range. Dr. John S. Tribaut, liquidator o of the defunct Bank of Donaldsonville gwhich suspended business Novembe t 22, 1913, filed his first provisional al to count, together with a petition aski1 g for authorization by the district col V to distribute the funds on hand amo) the ordinary creditors of the instill

14. July 3, 1915 The Madison Journal Tallulah, LA
Article from The Madison Journal, July 3, 1915

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Dr. John S. Tribaut, liquidator ofue. the defunct Bank of Donaldsonvillener which suspended business Novembeows 22, 1913, filed his first provisional aheds count, together with a petition askia the for authorization by the district col were to distribute the funds on hand amoid all the ordinary creditors of the instill his tion in the proportion of three icinity cent of their respective claims. to their IS as folf water This year the first car lot of lime and the United States consumed car The walls Louisiana e summ r.

15. July 3, 1915 Abbeville Progress Abbeville, LA
Article from Abbeville Progress, July 3, 1915

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TOLD IN A FEW LINES. The Pennsylvania-Louisiana Oil Company of Lake Charles has instituted suit against the Gulf Refining Company, the Bright Company and Harry Avery and J. G. Sutton for cancollation of oil leases in the Edgerly field aggregating 360 acres. Thirteen railroads operating in Louisiana have applied for a raise in rates on gravel, sand, crushed stone and other road materials, representing that the rates in operation at present, prescribed by Railroad Commission orders in 1910, are too low. John S. Dennee, field agent for the Department of Agriculture, with headquarters in New Orleans was in Bunkle getting information in regard to acreage and condition of the cotton crop for the report that will be made on July 1. Nearly a four million increase in the assessment of the railroads of the state is shown by the State Board of Appraisers in a statement made public by A. F. Cazedessus, secretary of the board. The exact amount is $3,953,011. A delegation of more than 100 Jefferson Davis parish taxpayers visited this parish, coming over from Jennings, Welsh and Lake Arthur by automobile to view the highway system. The next Convention of Ginners will assemble in Shreveport, La., July 14, and at which time a large display of machinery, etc., will be displayed by various factories, etc. The Probe Commission has taken no action respecting either "the Grace matter" or the alleged irregularities in the office of E. O. Bruner, Commissioner of Agriculture. The Ziegler Dredge Company have begun dredging for the Fifth Ward drainage district, about a mile south of Esterwood, and are running day and night shifts. It was stated that the state militia authorities had bought from the Marrero Realty Company of New Orleans a tract of land in the Metairie Ridge section of Jefferson parish to be used as a state rifle range. Dr. John S. Tribaut, liquidator of the defunct Bank of Donaldsonville, which suspended business November 22, 1913, filed his first provisional account, together with a petition asking for authorization by the district court to distribute the funds on hand among the ordinary creditors of the institution in the proportion of three per cent of their respective claims. This year the first car lot of wheat the United States consumed camo from Louisiana.

16. July 31, 1915 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, July 31, 1915

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Dr. John S. Thibaut, liquidator of the defunct Bank of Donaldsonville, has announced that dividend checks payable to the depositors and ordinary creditors of that institution will be ready for distribution 1 and after next Wednesday, Aug. 4. A three per cent dividend will be paid, and the amount to be disbursed will approximate $16,000. This will be the first distribution of funds realized from the assets of the wrecked bank since its suspension in November, 1913.

17. August 14, 1915 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, August 14, 1915

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LET THE DEAD PAST BURY ITS DEAD. The Chief respectfully suggests to the liquidators of the defunct Bank of Donaldsonville and Peoples Bank that they take steps to have the signs erased from the windows of the buildings formerly occupied by these respective institutions. The signs are misleading to strangers who may not be informed of the fact that the banks in question have suspended business, and merely serve as a reminder of unfortunate happenings that are best forgot. Remove them, Messrs. Liquidators, and assist to that extent in dispelling an unpleasant memory and eliminating a possible source of unfavorable suggestion to strangers within our gates.

18. November 17, 1917 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, November 17, 1917

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# DISTRICT COURT. Summary of Business Transacted at This Week's Sittings. The work of the regular non-jury term of district court convened on the 5th instant was continued this week, sessions of the judicial body being held Tuesday and Thursday. A record of the business transacted is contained in the following summary: Mrs. Cecelia Brown vs. Picard & Geismar, Ltd., et als.; defendants granted suspensive or devolutive appeal to circuit court, returnable at next sitting of said court in Donaldsonville, upon furnishing bond according to law. Victoria Catlin vs. Charles Keeling; default entered. M. Coquenheim vs. Mrs. R. Mancuso; default entered. F. Westheimer Sons' Co. vs. Sebastian Verdina; default entered. Silas Walker vs. Hopeful Colored Baptist Church; dismissed at plaintiff's cost. Gary Plenty et als. vs. Silas Walker; dismissed at plaintiffs' cost. John Baptiste vs. Nannette Holland; default entered. Henry Lochte Co., Ltd., vs. Sidney A. Chauvin; judgment for plaintiffs for $181.29, with legal interest from Oct. 10, 1917. Terrio Heirs vs. Bank of Donaldsonville in liquidation; judgment rendered declaring plaintiffs to be the owners of the undivided one-half of a certain lot of ground in the city of Donaldsonville, in the square bounded by Mississippi, St. Vincent, St. Patrick and Iberville streets, measuring 62 feet 4 inches front on St. Patrick street; defendant to pay all costs. G. A. Weigand & Co. vs. Dominick Casso; judgment for plaintiffs for $141.13, with legal interest from date of judgment until paid. Interstate Trust and Banking Company vs. Picard & Geismar, Ltd., et als.; reassigned to Friday, Nov. 23. Lucien Acosta, Jr., vs. George Landry; exception reassigned to Nov. 23. The suit of Western Union Telegraph Company vs. J. A. Dalferes et als., fixed for trial Thursday, was continued owing to the absence of Judge Fred. A. Middleton, of Gretna, who has been appointed by Judge Gilbert to try the case. Upon disposing of the docket for the current week, court adjourned to Friday next, the 23rd inst., at 10 o'clock a. m.

19. March 16, 1918 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, March 16, 1918

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DISTRICT COURT. Docket Cleared of Numerous Cases and Prisongrs Sentenced. Sessions of district court were held Monday, Thursday and Friday of this week, the following business being transacted: Civil Matters. Dr. E. K. Sims VS. J. N. and J. M. Maher; judgment for defendants, accident on which suit was based being considered by the court to have been unavoidable. L. Schellaci & Bro. VS. John Ferro; continued indefinitely. Walter Miller VS. Charlotte Mervin; exception overruled; default entered; commission issued to take testimony of witnesses in the parish of Orleans, returnable in ten days. Grove Mfg. Co. vs. Dominick Casso supplemental answer filed; continued indefinitely. Miles Pltg. and Mfg. Co. vs. Gonzales Bros.; judgment for plaintiffs for $335.89, with 8 per cent interest from Dec. 31, 1913, and all costs, against Joseph Gonzales and Alexander F. Gonzales, individual members of defendant firm. Anderson Foundry and Machine Co. vs. Roland Russell; exception tried and overruled; bill reserved by counsel for defendant; default entered. C. E. Wermuth vs. South Louisiana Fair Association; exception tried and overruled; default entered. Lillian M. Breckenridge VS. Bank of Donaldsonville in Liquidation; judgment rendered decreeing partition by licitation of following property: Lot No. 1 in square 28, Donaldsonville, situated at the northeast corner of Mississippi and Lessard streets, measuring 78 feet 9 inches front on former street by a depth of 110 feet, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon and thereunto belonging. Property ordered sold at public auction after due advertisement according to law. Ascension Red Cypress Co. vs. New River Drainage District; continued indefinitely Isabella Braud vs. L. E. Mullen; plaintiff granted absolute divorce. Succession of Christian Wintter; final account of Mrs. Adele Wintter, administratrix, homologated in so far as not opposed, with certain amendments. Home Mercantile Co., Ltd., VS. Maurin Co., Ltd., Charles Maurin, receiver; exceptions tried, submitted and referred to merits; oppositions tried contradictorily and taken under advisement. Criminal Matters. Edna Miller, information for cutting with intent to kill and murder filed by district attorney; pleaded guilty to cutting with intent to kill, which plea was accepted by the state. Jesse Robinson, retailing liquor without a license; nolle prossed. Joseph Bacala, violating Sunday law; withdrew former plea of not guilty and substituted plea of guilty; $150 or six months. Oscar Webb, carrying concealed weapon; withdrew former plea of not guilty and substituted plea of guilty; $100 or three months. Lee Hamilton, retailing liquor without a license; tried and found guilty; sentence suspended. Prisoners Sentenced. Friday was sentence day, penalties being imposed by Judge Gilbert as follows: William Wright, than four nor more than five years in the penitentiary. William Harris, obtaining money by false pretense; not less than six nor more than eight months in the penitentiary. John Thomas, carnal knowledge; thirty days in jail, sentence to begin from date of plea. John Harris, carnal knowledge; five davs in jail.